Tag: Herbs

Painted Flower Farm has been a Pecal Level Business Member since 2015. A local, family-owned nursery, they specialize in native and adapted herbaceous perennials. They have long been a vendor at the annual Denton Redbud Festival, where festival-goers are able to choose from their variety of flowers, shrubs, and herbs. Their store in Denton is overflowing with pots and hanging plants – waiting for you to take home! Visit them at their store a 3801 Lariat Rd, Denton, TX 76207, or give them a call at 940.382.3789.

We asked the owner, Don, a few questions about Denton and why he chooses to support Keep Denton Beautiful.

How long have you been in Denton?Lived here since 1990. Painted Flower Farm started in 1995 as a small horse farm. The nursery started in 2003.

What’s the most inspiring place in Denton?The improvement in the Square and the “near Square”.

What impact do you think KDB has on the Denton community?Urban encroachment in the last decade has changed Denton significantly. Whether that is good or bad is a matter of opinion but it is real. Urbanization can lead to decay and unattractiveness. KDB and their activities have fought against the decay that is inevitable. It is hard to quantify what has been the effect of this fight since we don’t know what Denton would be like without KDB. My belief is that KDB has helped greatly to slow the decay associated with urbanization.

What does “Keep Denton Beautiful” mean to you?Environmental activists volunteering to keep their community from suffering too much from the effects of increased populations.

What causes or other activities do you support in the community?Native Plant Society; Master Gardeners; Community Market; Environmental action groups at UNT and TWU.

Is there anything new your business is working on this year, or seasonal projects?Evaluating Hosta species as pot plants for shady patios, determining interest in Do-it-yourself succulent and other indoor potted plants.

We are so appreciative of Don and everyone at Painted Flower Farm for their support of Keep Denton Beautiful! Interested in being a member? Check out our Business Membership options.

Although August can produce some of the hottest temperatures of the summer in Denton, it is also a crucial month for beginning your cold-weather gardening.

Cold-weather veggies include broccoli, radishes, cauliflower, kale, spinach and more. If you want to harvest fresh vegetables for cooking during the winter months, now is the time to plant them!

Irises are dormant now, so this is the best time to plant them. These flowers are hardy growers in North Texas, and are often found surviving in areas where they receive little to no maintenance. Denton soils range from clay to sandy – if you’re soil is heavily clay, add several inches of coarse sand and compost. Irises love sandy loam soil – although they are known to do well without much care, taking the extra step to prepare your soil will ensure their success in your garden.

Photo of iris by KDB intern Haley Pittman

Want to try growing a pumpkin for Halloween? Pumpkins prefer warmer temperatures, and it can be difficult to time their season just right for harvesting in October. Plant your pumpkin seeds early this month for a shot at a homegrown Halloween pumpkin.

Photo of homegrown pumpkins via Eat the Weeds

If you planted summer herbs and vegetables, go ahead and harvest them this month.

It may not feel like it, but July is the time to start prepping your garden for fall!

Naturally, July calls for a beautiful Independence Day garden arrangement. Fill a pot with red, white, and blue petunias for a classic, all-American look. Or, use flowers and plants in your decorations. Dried onion heads are a surprisingly perfect plant for 4th of July centerpieces – they happen to look a lot like fireworks! Save the seeds afterwards to plant again in the spring.

Make use of wildflower seeds and plant discounts through your KDB Membership to provide teaching opportunities for kids. Little gardeners can grow their own Victory Garden, or throw out seeds, water, and watch them sprout!

Photo of onion flower by Daniel Young

For fall-harvest fruits, add tomato plants to your vegetable garden now. However, don’t let your tomatoes dry out in the heat – plant them somewhere where they will receive partial shade in the afternoons. These plants will begin to produce fruit when the temperatures drop in the fall.

Photo of tomato plant via Plant University

Throughout the season, harvest your annual herbs, such as basil. Be sure to let these plants grow back – if you allow them to continue growing, your herbs will last through August!